N. Z. FARMERS' UNION.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4839, 8 June 1925, Page 3

N. Z. FARMERS' UNION.

NGATEA BRANCH. MONTHLY MEETING. A meeting of the Hauraki Plains Farmers’ Union was? held at Ngatea on Saturday evening, Mr A. Cleaver presiding over Messrs E. Muggeridgo, G. Phillips, R. Bratlie, W. McDuff, E. Flavell, J. Bratlie, C. W. Schultz, and E. W. Martin, secretary. RECREATION RESERVE. The secretary reported having received a letter from the Minister for Lands stating that a grant of £259 would be available for a recreation reserve provided the price of the land was reasonable. Mr Bratlie, on behalf of the committee set up for the purpose, reported- that, a Ngatea settler had offered a ten-acre section on certain conditions. The public would be required to metal the five-chain road access, the cost to come off the stated price. No deposit was required, but the usual rate of interest and sinking fund to enable the account to be paid off in 36 years would be paid to the seller. Tnc ground was to be double-fenced with sheep-proof fences, and improved, and tennis courts suitable for the Hauraki Plains Tennis Association were to be laid down. - The matter was discussed at length and every aspect touched on. It was decided that the union endeavour to secure a three months’ option to purchase the land offered, with modification of the conditions to the effect that only one fence be erected until such time as it was found necessary to erect the inside fence, and that the tennis courts be made when funds were available. In the meantime the union would make further inquiries for suitable sites, and a committee was set up for the purpose. BACON FACTORY. The oft-discussed question of the establishment of a bacon factory locally was again brought up, Mr McDuff mentioning that a local man, an experienced bacon curer, had suggested the establishment in a small -way of a curing works. The necessary plant would not be very costly. The whole question was discussed, and the secretary was instructed to write for information on the subject to the Department of Agriculture. GENERAL INFORMATION. The chairman suggested that the usual meetings of the union could be made to serve a very .useful purpose by members discussing any matter that would be of general interest to farmers. For instance, he would like to know if any member knew of a remedy for garget or hard quarter. From tlie discussion that ensued it appeared that members present had tried numerous remedies with varying results. What had cured one cow had not necessarily cured another. Rubbing with raw castor oil, kerosene, safonia, and tar extract had been tried by those present. WATER SUPPLY. Mr A. Cleaver said that he had endeavourde to obtain information in regard to the proposed water supply (scheme from Waitakaruru, but numerinquiries had failed to elicit anything.. He would (suggest that the ’County Council be asked what the position was.

A motion to that effect did not get «i seconder and the matter dropped.